So, how long does cream of tartar keep? The short answer is: basically forever. It’s the Benjamin Button of baking ingredients—it doesn’t age, it just gets a little wrinkly (clumpy) on the outside. As long as it’s not growing a cute little fur coat of mold, you’re safe.
Here’s your uplifting takeaway: You are not a failure for having old spices. That jar of cream of tartar is a testament to your baking adventures, past and future. It’s patiently waiting for you to whip up some clouds of snowy meringue or stabilize a batch of royal icing. So go ahead, dust it off, and give it a little shake. It loves you, it still works, and it’s ready for its next close-up. Now go bake something beautiful—and don’t you dare apologize for that vintage jar.
